Bathroom camping: Hitting the loo to recharge

What would you do to cut out the worldly chaos just for a while? Sit by the sea, plug in your headphones, go for a walk or sit on the toilet? Gen Z’s latest trend involves taking a break in the toilet. It is called ‘bathroom camping’ and it involves doing all kinds of things – scrolling social media, listening to music, smoking or vaping, hyping yourself up or simply zoning out. They say that bathroom camping for them is like therapy.

What it means

As per Daily Dot, bathroom or restroom camping refers to resting in a bathroom for an indefinite period, without needing to actually use the toilet or shower.

Why people camp in the bathroom

Bathroom camping allows campers to shut the door on the world and create a small, private space where they can restore themselves. Gen Zers have popularised this term on social media by sharing their experiences. However, Srishti Vatsa, a counselling psychologist, says this isn’t a new concept. “Social media platforms have simply given it a name... For a long time, bathrooms and other closed-off spaces have served as quiet, protected zones in overstimulating environments.”

In high-pressure workplaces or emotionally demanding homes, the bathroom can feel like the only place where you’re not being observed or expected to perform. It becomes a space to breathe, uninterrupted and freely. However, Vatsa cautions, “There’s a difference between using a space to reset and needing it to hide to survive the day. If the bathroom becomes the only place someone feels emotionally safe, it usually points to chronic stress, anxiety, or a work culture that doesn’t leave room for emotional reality.”

It is unhygienic

Although this type of ‘me time’ can help to reset and recharge, process emotions, de-stress, reflect and relax, Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, says, “Prolonged stays in toilets aren’t the most hygienic. Toilets are breeding grounds for bacteria like E coli, norovirus, and even infections due to respiratory droplets that settle on surfaces. Spending time sitting on the toilet floor or leaning on surfaces will expose you to the germs and can raise the risk of haemorrhoids, a weak pelvic floor, and poor posture.”